Staggered contact image sensor imaging system

A method and an apparatus for imaging a biologic sample is provided. The apparatus includes at least one light source, at least one lens array, at least one image detector, a positioning system, and an image processor. The lens array has a plurality of lengthwise extending rows, which rows are successively arranged in a widthwise direction. Each row has a plurality of micro lenses, with each micro lens having a resolution field. Each micro lens is adapted to receive light from the illuminated region of the sample and to produce a beam of light. Each row includes a first micro lens and the first micro lens in each successive row is offset from the first micro lens in the previous row by a predetermined amount extending in the lengthwise direction. The offset between successive rows aligns the resolution fields of the micro lenses to collectively create a continuous resolution field across the length of the lens array. The positioning system moves the lens array and image detector relative to the sample, or vice versa, or both. The image processor produces an image signal indicative of the illuminated region of the sample produced from data signals from the image detector.